Wednesday, February 29, 2012

ART MOVES, FROM DEVON ANDTHE OKC ARTS COUNCIL, MARCH CALENDAR

Compiled by Nancy Condit

Note that on March 21 the dance and music group Grupo Afro-Caribeno -- Afro-rooted
music and dance, will perform.
Below are links for future artists to sign up. If the copy and pasted links don't work,
they came from the Arts Council of Oklahoma City website under Art Moves. If you
want a larger image, go to http://www.artscouncilokc.com/art-moves and click on the schedule.

MARCH 2012 Schedule
Check out our EVENTS CALENDAR for most up-to-date schedule & additional info (including maps and links to each day's artist)!
** SCHEDULE NOTE: Second event added on Tuesday, March 20th : Acollective, indie-folk band from Israel @ Myriad Gardens main band shell **

Art Moves, Presented by Devon, is a new Arts Council initiative that provides free lunchtime arts events to the downtown OKC area. Monday through Friday during the Noon hour, you can find Art Moves at the Downtown Library, the OKC Museum of Art, the newly-renovated Myriad Gardens, or a host of other partnering locations.
Programming consists of performances (music, theatre, and dance), artist demonstrations, short film selections, and artist/curator discussions. We seek to showcase local artists and partner with our member agencies. Through this daily program, artists are given a unique opportunity to increase the awareness of art to a larger audience while gaining exposure of their work.
The one-hour program runs Monday through Friday, Noon – 1:00pm, and started in October of 2011. For more information, please contact Angela Hodgkinson, Art Moves Director, at 270-4892 or ahodgkinson@artscouncilokc.com.

If you're an artist or performer and want to apply for Art Moves, Presented by Devon,click here to download the form.

Friday, February 24, 2012

"STOMP" IS ONE OF THE BEST IDEAS ANDBROADWAY-STYLE DANCE SHOWS IN THELAST 20 YEARS. THE PUBLICITY CONTACTWAS PURPOSELY INCLUDED. NANCY CONDITTHE INFO BELOW IS FROM THE PRESS RELEASE.

THE SMASH HIT RETURNS WITH NEW SURPRISESTO THE CIVIC CENTER MUSIC HALLMARCH 13-18, 2012

STOMP, the international sensation, is making its triumphant return to the Civic Center Music Hall March 13-18 for eight performances. The return of the percussive hit also brings some new surprises, with some sections of the show now updated and restructured and the addition of two new full-scale routines, utilizing props like tractor tire inner tubes and paint cans.

“After creating new routines for STOMP OUT LOUD in Vegas, [co-creator] Luke Cresswell and I decided it was time to rework elements of our main production, STOMP,” said co-creator Steve McNicholas. “STOMP has evolved a great deal ever since its first incarnation at the Edinburgh Festival. Every reworking has involved losing some pieces and gaining new ones, but has always stayed true to the original premise of the show: to create rhythmic music with instantly recognizable objects, and do it with an eccentric sense of character and humor.”

The changes that can now be seen in the tour of STOMP are the biggest since the late 1990’s. A new piece “Paint Cans” evolved out of the “Boxes” routine in the Las Vegas show and “Donuts” is a piece that implements huge tractor tire inner tubes, worn around the waist on a bungee cord. For many years, the creators had looked for a STOMP equivalent of the Latin percussion instrument the guiro, a gourd-shaped open-ended instrument with ridges along the side that are rubbed by a wooden stick to create its sound. The climactic trashcan sequence “Bins” has been restructured to include a guiro-like new found instrument: strip-lighting recycling containers.

From its beginnings as a street performance in the UK, STOMP has grown into an international sensation over the past fourteen years, having performed in over 350 cities in 36 countries worldwide. STOMP continues its phenomenal run with the ongoing sell-out Off-Broadway production at New York's Orpheum Theatre, a North American tour, and two productions overseas - a London company and a European tour.

STOMP, an overwhelming success marked by rave reviews, numerous awards and sell-out engagements, is the winner of an Olivier Award for Best Choreography (London's Tony® Award), a New York Obie Award, a Drama Desk Award for Unique Theatre Experience, and a Special Citation from Best Plays. The young performers “make a rhythm out of anything we can get our hands on that makes a sound,” says co-creator/director Luke Cresswell. Stiff-bristle brooms become a sweeping orchestra; Zippo lighters flip open and closed to create a fiery fugue; wooden poles thump and clack in a rhythmic explosion. STOMP uses everything but conventional percussion instruments – trashcans, tea chests, plastic bags, plungers, boots, and hubcaps – to fill the stage with compelling and infectious rhythms.

Critics and audiences have raved: “STOMP is as crisp and exuberant as if it had opened yesterday,” says The New York Times. The San Francisco Chronicle declares “STOMP has a beat that just won’t quit!” The Los Angeles Times exclaims: “Electrifying! Triumphs in the infinite variety of the human experience.” “A phenomenal show! Bashing, crashing, smashing, swishing, banging and kicking – a joyous invention!” says the Chicago Tribune.
STOMP is directed and created by Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas.

The smash hit STOMP returns to the Civic Center Music Hall March 13-18, 2012 for eight performances. Tickets go on sale Monday, February 20th and may be purchased via phone (800) 869-1451, (405) 297-2264, in person at the Civic Center Music Hall Box Office or online at http://www.celebrityattractions.com/. ; Groups of 10 or more may call Celebrity Attractions at (800) 869-1451 ext. 220 for a discount.

Get social with Celebrity Attractions by becoming a fan on Facebook.com/BwayOKC. Follow the Oklahoma City engagement of STOMP on Twitter.com/BwayOKC or with hashtag #STOMPOKC.

STOMP is presented by Celebrity Attractions and is part of Celebrity Attractions 2011-2012 Broadway Season which includes FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, the add-on productions of MAMMA MIA! and the Tulsa engagement of JERSEY BOYS. Celebrity Attractions is proud to have American Airlines, Magic 104.1 FM and The Oklahoman as sponsors for this spectacular season.

Thursday, February 23, 2012

It’s getting easier than ever to steal in broad daylight.It’s especially easy when all the thief has to do is sit at a computer and tap at the keyboard.

The Metropolitan Library System and FOLIO (Friends of the Libraries in Oklahoma) are presenting workshops in February and March designed to show everyone how to “Fight the Internet Bay Guys and Win.”The sessions will be conducted at six MLS library locations spread around Oklahoma County.

“The statistics on Internet crime are pretty alarming,” said MLS Director of Outreach Services Dana Morrow.“Hundreds of thousands of Internet rip-offs are reported every year, and unfortunately these scams are not all as easy to spot as those phony emails from Nigeria claiming that the writer needs help getting his money out of his country.Of course, what he really wants to do is get your money into his bank account.

“The criminals are out there, working to steal your stuff, or to use your computer behind your back to steal other people’s stuff.In this free workshop, computer security expert Dave Moore will expose their schemes and teach you how to fight back.”

Find out about the most common Internet crimes, then spread the word.

“Fight the Internet Bad Guys and Win” will be presented at 6:30 p.m. at:

Preparing students for professional careers in dance and dance education by helping them acquire the knowledge and skills to compete and contribute as emerging artists, creative scholars, and leaders in the arts.

This mission guides the Department of Dance into Transformative Learning by providing students with experiences in creative and scholarly activities, community outreach and service learning opportunities, leadership experiences, healthy life skills, and global and cultural competencies.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

In a picture presented during her talk by dance historian Camille Hardy from OU,Michel Fokine appears as the prince in his 1910 ballet. Photo by Nancy Condit

By Nancy Condit

The combination of Oklahoma City Ballet's spirited pre-performance lecture-discussion and the program itself Saturday night at the CivicCenter was fascinating. The company was at its best, and the evening fulfilled the great variety of dance styles that encompass ballet and that Oklahoma City audiences have come to expect.

Josh Crespo and Callye McCallum in "Junctures."Photo by Rocky Chen

The premiere of Junctures, Alan Hineline's abstract ballet, set to Michael Nyman's minimalist music "Exit No Exit," was a very nice piece, coming from "the intersections in life -- junctures. When I came to Oklahoma City a month ago I had a piece of music and an idea, but not a step planned. I put steps into sentences, sentences into paragraphs, and paragraphs into chapters."
At times, during the point ballet, the dancers moved within the music, seeming to dance to their own beat.
In a ballet that stayed on the floor, the one time lift of Amanda Herd high over the heads of Josh Crespo and Tye Love was a memorable part of the work. The contemporary ballet was composed of both classic and modern ballet work, including angled body moves.The most arresting moment came at the end, when the music finished at the height of its resolution, rather than completing it. About ten men, standing diagonally across the stage, lifted an equal number of women above their heads while the women reached up and the curtain came down. Very dramatic and singularly notable for its musicality.
"It's important that a company continues to grow and doesn't become a museum," Hineline said in the lecture. He is the chief executive officer and resident choreographer of The Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, which Mills identified as one of the leading schools of classical ballet in the country. He also choreographed "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" two seasons ago, which OKC Ballet presented

Choreographers Alan Hineline - "Junctures," and Robert Mills - "In Between Dreams," and "The Firebird"pose after the lecture discussion.Photo by Nancy Condit

"In Between Dreams" was an intriguing contemporary ballet with excellent work by Stephanie Foraker-Pitts. Mills' choreography had her performing pirouettes and exploring the spaces in her rounded arms, under her legs, and around her body after she broke through a black spandex curtain at the back of the stage. The curtain was used particularly effective when arms extended to cradle Pitts.In the second section Miki Kawamura was thrown around by David Barocio, and even tossed over his head -- and caught. At the section's end they walked off hand in hand. In the final section, "Serenity," the strength of the women dancers showed as they were held aloft at the shoulders and extended their rest of their bodies up in round curves. This recalled Mills' and Hineline's discussion that dancers are now able to do move than they were able to do before.
The music was by prominent composer Arvo Part and Gustav Mahler, creating a more struggling dance in the first two sections -- "Innocence" and "In Between Dreams," and the lyricism in the final section, "Serenity." This reviewer had trouble with the music's flow of the second section into the third, while the audience was very enthusiastic.
"In Between Dreams was choreographed by artistic director Robert Mills and first performed on April 13, 2007 by Ballet Nouveau Colorado, where he was artistic director, was staged in Oklahoma City by Charlotte Hart, who spent two years as assistant director for the student company of Ballet Nouveau Colorado, and by Mills. It was dedicated to his mother, "because you have the peace and serenity you so often dreamed of."

Mills' remake of Mikel Alexandre Benois and Michel Fokine's The Firebird, to Igor Stravinsky's score, was visually stunning as the curtain rose on a fog filled forest which cleared to reveal a tree of golden apples. Mills based his version of the ballet on Fokine's 1910 original ballet rather than later versions, including that by Jerome Robbins and George Balanchine, in which the Firebird was danced by Maria Tallchief. With such an outstanding opening, and such a strong company of dancers, including Jacob Sparso's wonderfully long curved finger nailed and cloaked evil Kashchei, the only disappointment was the brevity of the Russian folk tale classic ballet. This reviewer was unable to find anything about the length of the different versions. Yui Sato was very good as Prince Ivan. Sarah Chun danced well, but, in a role that has become mythic, she had a lot to live up to. As an historic piece, the captive princesses with their luxuriant hair, and the aboriginal monsters in wide stanced dances, clad in terrific leotards with curving silver streaks running down them.

Costumes were by OKC Ballet costume director Michael Jones, with Robert Mills' designs for "In Between Dreams" constructed by Jones, and Bryan Crump and Heather Beleza adding make-up work on Chun. Sets on "Junctures" were the bare stage with lights in the cross girders at the back of the stage, giving the effective impression of a cityscape. Also uncredited was the spandex black curtain for "In Between Dreams." The wonderful sets and lighting for "The Firebird” were by Dale Halland Buddy Combs. Lights for "Junctures" and "The Firebird" were by Buddy Combs, and those for "In Between Dreams" were by Combs after original designs by Nick Kargel.
Mills noted at the evening's beginning that co-founder, with Yvonne Chouteau, Miguel Terekhov died earlier this year. A memorial service, open to the public, is scheduled for May 6 in Norman. Excerpts from some of his ballets will be performed.
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Thursday, February 9, 2012

By Nancy Condit, with a little help from the poster, the internet, and Dana Morrow

The Belle of Amherst, about the life and ideas of Emily Dickenson, will be presented at four Metropolitan Libraries next week.

Actress Ginger Grace presents a one-woman play by William Luce about the eccentric American poet with a gift for lyrical beauty and a wicked sense of humor. The play lasts approximately 75 minutes. All performances are free and open to the public.

On Sunday, February 26, 2 p.m. poet Carol Hamilton will be reading at Full Circle Bookstore from new books MASTER OF THEATER: PETER THE GREAT and LEXICOGRAPHY. An open read will also be part of the afternoon. "Would love to see you there," she writes.

From Contrapuntal:

The Gewanthaus

The Leipzigers knew the high and low
must join in festive union.
The Gewandhaus,
where music flourished,
housed the town's library,
with its treasured manuscripts,
and warehoused linen for later sale
with bolts of other cloth.

Music was king and queen,
but the people were practical.
Why waste space?
Clara Schumann lost herself
on stage time and time again,
while the building kept
its functional feet planted,
striking its own harmonic chord.
The artists surely must go home,
put the children to bed,
bank fires for the night,
and still soar right out beyond earth's orbit.
c. Carol Hamilton
Book available at Amazon and www.finishinglinepress.com or Finishing Line Press, P. O. Box 1626, Georgetown, KY 40324.

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

BOOK DISCUSSION SERIES EXAMINES OKLAHOMA'S HISTORIC BANK SCANDALS

Ross Thomas' "Briarpatch" is the nextbook to be discussed in the free and open to the public OCU discussion series. Photo provided

The “Let’s Talk About it, Oklahoma” book discussion series at Oklahoma City University will continue its winter 2012 season with “Briarpatch” by Ross Thomas at 7 p.m. Feb. 21. The series is a project of the Oklahoma Humanities Council with funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Funding for this series was provided by a grant from the Inasmuch Foundation.

The discussion is free to the public and will be held in Walker Center room 151 at N.W. 26th Street and Florida Avenue.

“Briarpatch” won the Edgar Award for best mystery/suspense novel in 1984. Thomas wrote about corruption bred by easy money and the sense of the suddenly rich in the post-boom bank scandals. Set in his hometown of Oklahoma City, Thomas fills the novel with such landmarks as the milk bottle at N.W. 24th Street and Classen Boulevard and the Skirvin Plaza.

Harbour Winn, director of OCU’s Center for Interpersonal Studies through Film & Literature, said the purpose of this season’s book discussion series is to explore the rich history of Oklahoma.

“The books in this program illuminate aspects of human development in our state’s history, from the emptiness of the Oklahoma prairie to its towns and two large cities of today,” Winn said.

At each session in the series, a humanities scholar makes a presentation on the book in the context of the theme. Small group discussions follow with experienced discussion leaders. At the end, all participants come together for a brief wrap-up.

Those who are interested in participating are encouraged to preregister and borrow the reading selections and theme brochure by calling Winn at (405) 208-5472 or e-mailing him at hwinn@okcu.edu.

The final book discussion in the series will be March 6 with “Flight from Innocence: A Memoir, 1927-1947” by Judson Jerome.

Reduxion Theatre Company continues their “Original Sins” season with the romantic comedy Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare.Part of their “Original Sins” seasons, this was the first show independently produced by artistic director Tyler Woods, who directs this comedic, touching and fast-paced romance.This production is set in the swinging 1970’s in Sicily.

They are located at 1613 North Broadway Avenue near Automobile Alley and downtown.

“We hope to make a name for ourselves as producers of plays that people enjoy sharing with a loved one,” wrote Tyler Woods.

“We have families, people on their own – all sorts of people come,” Erin Wood said of the play.

Each RTC opening night is celebrated with an after-party.Much Ado About Nothing’s opening night gala, Feb. 9th, immediately following the performance, features Italian-style festivities -- food, drink and fun is held for attendees for no extra charge. Food is sponsored by Café Nova.

A romantic “Couple’s Package” is offered on the Friday and Saturday performances, February 10th and 11th, before Valentine’s Day, and includes preshow champagne and couple’s cupcakes at intermission. “We want to offer couples a fun and romantic alternative or addition to their Valentine’s plans on this romantic weekend,” said managing director, Erin Woods, “An entertaining evening of live theatre provides a memorable, romantic experience.”

The show opens Feb. 9th and runs through Feb. 25th on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at 8 p.m., with a special Sunday Matinee, Feb. 19th at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $17 for adults and $13 for students, seniors and military with I.D. A free parking lot is adjacent to the theater. From the press releaseAdditional street parking is available. Tickets are available for purchase online at http://www.reduxiontheatre.com/or at the door before each performance.

Sunday, February 5, 2012

OKC BALLET PRESENTS

THE FIREBIRD AT

THE CIVIC CENTER,

FEB. 11-12

From "Between Dreams" choreographed by Robert Mills.Photo provided

By Nancy Condit

When The Firebird appears at the CivicCenter on February 11 and 12, the famous ballet will be in a remake by choreographer and Oklahoma City Ballet artistic director Robert Mills.Also on the program are two works new to Oklahomans, one by Alan Hineline, choreographer of the 2009 work The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, and Mills’ work In Between Dreams.

"The Firebird" in a remake by choreographer and artistic directorRobert Mills. Photo provided.

The Firebird, originally created in 1910 composer Igor Stravinsky and choreographer Michel Fokine, is a story of good conquering evil.It is based on a Russian folklore tale of a magic glowing bird that is both a blessing and a curse to its captor, reads the press release.

Hineline returns with another original commissioned work.He is formerly artistic director Ballet Philippines in Manilla.Hinelline’s work has appeared in the repertories of the Pennsylvania Ballet, Atlanta Ballet, Sacramento Ballet and Kansas City Ballet, among others.

The third ballet, In Between Dreams, was choreographed by Mills for Ballet Nouveau Colorado.“…choreographers can be found who paint dances well.Robert Mills has done that, and did it again with In Between Dreams,” World Dance Reviews.

“When I took over Oklahoma City Ballet, I was committed to bringing our audiences variety” in choreography and works from classical to neoclassical to contemporary works, says Mills of the triple bill in an email.

Mills was asked what he hoped this show would bring to Oklahoma City area art loves as well as neophytes.

His answer was, “Art lovers will connect with the collaborative nature of any three of these works through their beautiful music, ranging from Michael Nyman, Arvo Part and Gustav Mahler, not to mention the iconic music of Stravinsky.We have an extremely talented resident costume designer in Michael Jones, and we have brought in a lighting designer from Texas, Buddy Combs.All of this runs parallel with our incredible company of dancers that have the opportunity to showcase their versatility.

“For ballet or art ‘newbies,’ I encourage them to dismiss their preconceived notions of ballet.They will see an incredibly athletic and intricately choreographed dance in Alan Hineline’s world premiere, they will see a visually stunning collaboration of dance, stagecraft and lighting design with In Between Dreams, and The Firebird brings an exciting yet easy to follow short story to life.”

Performances are at 8 p.m. Saturday, February 11, and 2 p.m. on Sunday, February 12 at the CivicCenterMusic Hall at 201 N. Walker.

At 7 p.m., before the 8 p.m. Saturday February 11 performance, a talk will be given by dance historian Dr. Camille Hardy, Robert Mills and Alan Hineline. The matinee will feature events for kids before and after the production, including creating their own Firebird mask and trying on costumes from their favorite shows. Both events will take place in the south lobby.

Individual tickets range from $31 to $57.A family four pack of tickets is available for $50. Tickets are available by phone at 405-848-TOES (8637), or go to www.okcballet.com/tickets, or the Civic Center Box Office.

The Oklahoma City Ballet is the only U.S. Ballet company of its size to regularly debut world premier full-length ballets with original commissioned scores.

Friday, February 3, 2012

On February 5thPerformance Oklahoma is excited to offer “Present Beauty” featuring ETHEL. Acclaimed as America's premier postclassical string quartet, ETHEL invigorates contemporary concert music with refreshing exuberance, fierce intensity, imaginative programming and exceptional artistry. Formed in 1998, New York's ebullient ETHEL performs adventurous music of the past four decades, with emphasis on works composed since 1995. We’ll hear their concert presented on OCU's Distinguished Artist Series on Sunday, January 15th. "Present Beauty" features the quartet’s arrangement of a suite from the filmscore “The Hours” by Philip Glass, To Whom It May Concern: Thank you by Mark Stewart, Huang Ruo's The Flag Project, Wed by David Lang, Sunrise of the Planetary Dream Collector byTerry Riley and Julia Wolfe's Early That Summer.Photo provided

On February 12thPerformance Oklahoma will offer the third concert of the season presented by Brightmusic Society of Oklahoma and given on Monday, January 16th at St. Edwards Chapel at Casady School and Tuesday, January 17th at St. Paul’s Cathedral in downtown Oklahoma City. Entitled “Café Music” the program opens with the Piano Trio Op 70, No. 1 by Ludwig van Beethoven (Ghost,) and one of his middle period masterpieces. We'll also hear the Trio for Oboe, Bassoon and Piano by the 20th century French composer Jean Françaix, the Five Fantasy Pieces "Schilflieder" (Reed Songs) by 19th century German Romantic August Klughardt inspired by a poem by Nicolaus von Lenau and Café Music by the American composer and pianist Paul Schoenfield.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

CATCH MAURICE SENDAK ON"COLBERT REPORT" ONLINE

By Nancy Condit

﻿

Maurice Sendak, author of, among others, "Where the Wild Things Are." Picture taken from the web, and c.

In case you missed it, Stephen Colbert interviewed fabulous children's author Maurice Sendak in a funny and grown-up interview over two episodes, January 24 and 25. According to the website, "Author and illustrator Maurice Sendak contemplates the complexity of children and the simplicity of Newt Gingrich."

And for writers, Sendak says he just wrote, then other people told him he wrote for children.

The OU School of Dance, in collaboration with University Theatre, will present four days of graduate and undergraduate choreography during the Young Choreographers' Showcase (YCS), January 26, 27, 28 at 8:00 p.m. and January 29 at 3:00 p.m. With works ranging from classical ballet to contemporary dance, the audience will see eight pieces created by students within the OU School of Dance's ballet and modern programs.

The current program is under the supervision of YCS coordinators and School of Dance faculty members Steve Brule, Derrick Minter and Clara Cravey, as well as OU School of Dance Director Mary Margaret Holt. All performances will take place at the Rupel J. Jones Theatre located at 563 Elm Avenue, Norman, Oklahoma.

Charlotte Hart, graduate student in the School of Dance, will present a quirky and light-hearted piece titled --

With bright colored costumes and vibrant lighting design, Hart's ballet aims to capture every child (and child-at-heart's) love for classic Nintendo video games. With her cast of seven dancers, Hart combines pointe work, petite allegro and playful music that alludes to the Nintendo theme song to paint a picture of every child's dream: a real-life video game.

Austin Lintner's neoclassical dance "Vitality."Photo provided

Junior Ballet Performance major Austin Lintner will open the program with his pas de trois, Vitality, set to music by Jake Shimabukuro. Lintner's neoclassical piece aims to project to the audience the elation and excitement one feels while performing.

Diana Robertson, a Modern Dance Performance senior, brings a new take on Frederic Chopin's Nocturne in F# Minor in her work titled D.S. “Chopin's music is often used alongside classical ballet,” Robertson said.

Brett Young's piece Sammen Som Én, set to music by Icelandic group Sigur Ros, is a meditation on the journey taken by two people engaged in a meaningful relationship.

Nathan will present his work Ineffable Soulstice, in whichhe demonstrates the idea that subliminal energy is constantly present through everyday interactions. Following Young's piece, Modern Dance senior Terra Easter explores the relationships of dancers onstage alongside the haunting beauty of the cello in her work Weightless: An Ode to Cello.

Jammie Walker, Outstanding Senior in the College of Fine Arts, will present his choreography in 6 out of 5, set to music by Victor Wooten. “I am very interested in the process of creating technical, yet original movement,” Walker said.

Christopher Frazier's contemporary work, The Hocket, will conclude the YCS production. With a cast of six dancers on stage and a live drummer, Ricardo Souza, Frazier's work uses the “call and response” pattern in music and relates it to human relationships.

For tickets contact the fine arts box office at 405-325-4101 Monday through Friday at 11:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. The fine arts box office is located on the OU campus in the Catlett Music Center on the corner of Elm Ave and Boyd Street in Norman, Oklahoma.